COILLTE CGA & SSE Gortyrahilly Wind Farm, Ballingeary, Co. Cork.
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COILLTE CGA & SSE
Gortyrahilly Wind Farm,
Ballingeary, Co. Cork.
General Scoping Document
November 2020
Coillte CGA, Jennings O’Donovan & Partners Limited,
Dublin Road, Consulting Engineers,
Newtownmountkennedy, Finisklin Business Park, Sligo.
Co. Wicklow, Tel.: 071 - 916 1416
A63 DN25. Fax: 071 - 916 1080
e mail: info@jodireland.com
JENNINGS O’DONOVAN & PARTNERS LIMITED.
Project, Civil and Structural Consulting Engineers,
FINISKLIN BUSINESS PARK,
SLIGO,
IRELAND.
Telephone (071) 91 61416
Fax (071) 91 61080
Email info@jodireland.com
Web Site www.jodireland.com
DOCUMENT APPROVAL
PROJECT Gortyrahilly Wind Farm
CLIENT / JOB NO Coillte CGA & SSE 6225
DOCUMENT TITLE General Scoping Document
Prepared by Reviewed / Approved by
Document Name Name
Rev. 1 Breena Coyle Sean Molloy
Date Signature Signature
13th October 2020
Document Name Name
Rev. 2 Breena Coyle Sean Molloy
Date Signature Signature
10th November 2020
This report, and information or advice which it contains, is provided by JENNINGS O’DONOVAN & PARTNERS LIMITED solely for internal use and reliance by its Client in performance of
JENNINGS O’DONOVAN & PARTNERS LIMITED’s duties and liabilities under its contract with the Client. Any advice, opinions, or recommendations within this report should be read and
relied upon only in the context of the report as a whole. The advice and opinions in this report are based upon the information made available to JENNINGS O’DONOVAN & PARTNERS
LIMITED at the date of this report and on current standards, codes, technology and construction practices as at the date of this report. Following final delivery of this report to the Client,
JENNINGS O’DONOVAN & PARTNERS LIMITED will have no further obligations or duty to advise the Client on any matters, including development affecting the information or advice
provided in this report. This report has been prepared by JENNINGS O’DONOVAN & PARTNERS LIMITED in their professional capacity as Consulting Engineers. The contents of the
report do not, in any way, purport to include any manner of legal advice or opinion. This report is prepared in accordance with the terms and conditions of JENNINGS O’DONOVAN &
PARTNERS LIMITED contract with the Client. Regard should be had to those terms and conditions when considering and/or placing any reliance on this report. Should the Client wish to
release this report to a Third Party for that party’s reliance, JENNINGS O’DONOVAN & PARTNERS LIMITED may, at its discretion, agree to such release provided that:
(a) JENNINGS O’DONOVAN & PARTNERS LIMITED written agreement is obtained prior to such release, and
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PARTNERS LIMITED’s interests arising out of the Client’s release of this report to the Third Party
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Directors: D. Kiely, C. McCarthy Senior Associates: R. Davis, S. Gilmartin, J. Healy, J. McElvaney, T. McGloin
Regional Director: A. Phelan Associates: L. Brennan, S. Lee, S. Martyn, L. McCormack, S. Molloy
Consultants: C. Birney, M. Gavin, R. Gillan Company Reg No. 149104 VAT Reg. No. IE6546504D
Client: Coillte CGA & SSE Date: November 2020
Project: Gortyrahilly Wind Farm Project No.: 6225
Title of Document: General Scoping Document
Document Issue: Rev. 2 Page No.: i
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Purpose of Scoping Consultation ...................................................................................... 1
SITE BACKGROUND .............................................................................................................. 2
2.1 About Coillte CGA and SSE .............................................................................................. 2
2.2 The Development ............................................................................................................. 2
APPROACH TO THE EIA ........................................................................................................ 4
3.1 EIA Process ...................................................................................................................... 4
3.2 Baseline Conditions .......................................................................................................... 5
3.3 Prediction and Assessment of Effects ............................................................................... 5
3.4 Mitigation and Assessment of Residual Effects ................................................................. 6
3.5 Gortyrahilly Wind Farm EIA Context ................................................................................. 6
3.6 Scoping Stage .................................................................................................................. 6
3.7 EIAR Structure .................................................................................................................. 7
3.8 Population and Human Health .......................................................................................... 8
3.9 Material Assets ................................................................................................................. 9
3.10 Interactions of the Foregoing ............................................................................................ 9
3.11 Cumulative Effects ............................................................................................................ 9
LEGISLATIVE AND PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT ............................................................. 12
4.1 EU Directive 2011/92/EU ................................................................................................ 12
4.2 EU Directive 2014/52/EU ................................................................................................ 12
4.3 Strategic Infrastructure Development .............................................................................. 13
4.4 Transboundary Context .................................................................................................. 14
4.5 European Policy.............................................................................................................. 14
4.6 National Planning Policy Context .................................................................................... 15
4.7 The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Assembly....................... 16
4.8 National Climate Policy ................................................................................................... 17
4.9 The Joint Committee on Climate Action .......................................................................... 17
4.10 The Cork County Development Plan 2014-2020 ............................................................. 17
4.11 The Wind Energy Development Guidelines - Guidelines for PAs (June 2006) ................ 19
4.12 Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines December 2019 ........................... 19
4.13 Other Core Planning Policy Documents .......................................................................... 20
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................................... 24
5.1 Proposed Development Outline Description .................................................................... 24
5.2 Developable Area ........................................................................................................... 24
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Client: Coillte CGA & SSE Date: November 2020
Project: Gortyrahilly Wind Farm Project No.: 6225
Title of Document: General Scoping Document
Document Issue: Rev. 2 Page No.: ii
BIODIVERSITY...................................................................................................................... 26
6.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 26
6.2 Proposed Methodology ................................................................................................... 27
6.3 Terrestrial Ecology .......................................................................................................... 27
6.4 Aquatic Ecology Considerations...................................................................................... 28
6.5 Other Flora & Fauna ....................................................................................................... 28
6.6 Guidance ........................................................................................................................ 28
6.7 Study Area ...................................................................................................................... 28
6.8 Baseline Studies/Surveys ............................................................................................... 29
ORNITHOLOGY .................................................................................................................... 33
7.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 33
7.2 Study Area ...................................................................................................................... 33
7.3 Summary of likely EIA Scope for Gortyrahilly .................................................................. 33
LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL AMENITY .................................................................................. 38
8.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 38
8.2 Methodology / Guidance Followed .................................................................................. 38
8.3 Study Area ...................................................................................................................... 39
8.4 Baseline .......................................................................................................................... 39
8.5 Assessment of Effects .................................................................................................... 42
8.6 Site Context .................................................................................................................... 42
8.7 Cumulative Effects .......................................................................................................... 42
8.8 Scoped In/Out ................................................................................................................. 42
ACCESS, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ................................................................................ 43
9.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 43
9.2 Baseline Environment ..................................................................................................... 43
9.3 Study Area ...................................................................................................................... 43
9.4 Methodology ................................................................................................................... 43
9.5 Guidance Followed ......................................................................................................... 44
9.6 Assessment of Potential Effects ...................................................................................... 44
9.7 Mitigation Measures ........................................................................................................ 44
9.8 Cumulative Effects .......................................................................................................... 45
ARCHAEOLOGY & CULTURAL HERITAGE ......................................................................... 47
10.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 47
10.2 Study Area ...................................................................................................................... 47
10.3 Methodology/Guidance Followed .................................................................................... 47
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Client: Coillte CGA & SSE Date: November 2020
Project: Gortyrahilly Wind Farm Project No.: 6225
Title of Document: General Scoping Document
Document Issue: Rev. 2 Page No.: iii
10.4 Baseline Datasets ........................................................................................................... 48
10.5 Assessment of Effects .................................................................................................... 50
10.6 Mitigation ........................................................................................................................ 51
10.7 Cumulative Effects .......................................................................................................... 51
10.8 Scope In/Out ................................................................................................................... 52
AIR QUALITY & CLIMATE CHANGE ..................................................................................... 53
11.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 53
11.2 Study Area ...................................................................................................................... 53
11.3 Methodology – Air Quality ............................................................................................... 53
11.4 Guidance and Policy – Air Quality ................................................................................... 54
11.5 Effects – Air Quality ........................................................................................................ 54
11.6 Mitigation – Air Quality .................................................................................................... 54
11.7 Cumulative Effects – Air Quality ...................................................................................... 54
11.8 Climate Change .............................................................................................................. 55
11.9 Methodology - Carbon balance ....................................................................................... 55
11.10 Guidance and Policy – Climate Change .......................................................................... 55
11.11 Effects – Climate Change ............................................................................................... 56
11.12 Mitigation – Climate Change ........................................................................................... 56
11.13 Cumulative Effects – Climate Change ............................................................................. 56
HYDROLOGY, GEOLOGY & HYDROGEOLOGY ................................................................. 57
12.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 57
12.2 Baseline/Existing Conditions ........................................................................................... 57
12.3 Study Area ...................................................................................................................... 57
12.4 Guidance and Relevant Legislation................................................................................. 57
12.5 Proposed Survey and Assessment Methodologies ......................................................... 60
12.6 Potential Effects .............................................................................................................. 63
12.7 Approach to Mitigation .................................................................................................... 63
12.8 Cumulative Effects .......................................................................................................... 63
13.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 64
13.2 Study Area ...................................................................................................................... 64
13.3 Guidance ........................................................................................................................ 64
13.4 Proposed Methodology ................................................................................................... 64
13.5 Existing Receptors .......................................................................................................... 65
13.6 Potential Effects .............................................................................................................. 65
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Client: Coillte CGA & SSE Date: November 2020
Project: Gortyrahilly Wind Farm Project No.: 6225
Title of Document: General Scoping Document
Document Issue: Rev. 2 Page No.: iv
13.7 Approach to Mitigation .................................................................................................... 65
13.8 Cumulative Effects .......................................................................................................... 65
13.9 Scoped In/Out ................................................................................................................. 65
SHADOW FLICKER............................................................................................................... 66
14.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 66
14.2 Study Area ...................................................................................................................... 66
14.3 Methodology ................................................................................................................... 66
14.4 Guidance ........................................................................................................................ 67
14.5 Potential Effects .............................................................................................................. 67
14.6 Approach to Mitigation .................................................................................................... 67
14.7 Cumulative Effects .......................................................................................................... 68
SCOPING CONSULTATION ................................................................................................. 69
15.1 Specific Points of Clarification are Requested in Relation to the Following Matters ......... 69
APPENDICES
Appendix A - Site Location Plan
Appendix B - Constraints Map
Appendix C - Concept Layout Plan
Appendix D - Proposed Viewpoints Map
________________________________________________________________________________________________Client: Coillte CGA & SSE Date: November 2020
Project: Gortyrahilly Wind Farm Project No.: 6225
Title of Document: General Scoping Document
Document Issue: Rev. 2 Page No.: 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose of Scoping Consultation
This scoping document constitutes the request for a scoping opinion in respect of an
application for planning permission for a proposed wind farm in Gortyrahilly, Ballingeary, Co.
Cork (hereafter known as the Development). The scoping request has been prepared by
Jennings O'Donovan & Partners Ltd, Consulting Engineers on behalf of Coillte Cuideachta
Ghníomhaíochta Ainmnithe (Coillte CGA) and SSE Renewables Ltd. (hereafter known as
the Developer).
The purpose of the scoping process is to provide relevant information to consultees and
stakeholders at the outset of the project so that key environmental issues/concerns can be
identified early and the Development can be designed to avoid or minimise any potential
significant environmental effects, and that any remaining likely significant effects can be
assessed appropriately.
The purpose of this document is to inform you of the proposed approach to the Development
and provide an understanding of the nature of the known environmental constraints at this
stage. This shall then allow you to offer an opinion in relation to the Development and the
approach outlined to undertake the design and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of
the Development.
Scoping is an important stage that takes place early in the EIA process. It provides an
opportunity for both Developer’s and the Competent Authority to determine those key
environmental aspects that are likely to be important to the Developer’s decision-making and
seeks to eliminate those that are of less concern.
________________________________________________________________________________________________Client: Coillte CGA & SSE Date: November 2020
Project: Gortyrahilly Wind Farm Project No.: 6225
Title of Document: General Scoping Document
Document Issue: Rev. 2 Page No.: 2
SITE BACKGROUND
2.1 About Coillte CGA and SSE
The Development is a joint venture between Coillte CGA and SSE Renewables Ltd.
Coillte CGA is a commercial semi-state company operating in forestry, land-based
businesses, renewable energy and panel products. Coillte Land Solutions Division -
manages a portfolio of assets in energy, land sales and development where the primary
focus is on initiatives that are aligned to government policy. This division also includes Coillte
Nature which will target the delivery of new woodlands facilitating species diversity,
biodiversity and carbon sequestration as part of the Government’s National Forestry
Programme. The establishment of Coillte Nature will also see the conversion of certain
commercial Coillte forests to recreational forests.
Coillte CGA has been and will continue to be a significant contributor to achieving Ireland's
renewable energy objectives and targets over the next decade. Coillte is one of the largest
developers of renewable energy in the State and has enabled in excess of 30% of all installed
wind farms through wayleaves/rights of way and as a land supplier and developer. Coillte
has identified an extensive pipeline of 1GW of new onshore wind development and
energisation on its lands by 2030 and the potential for further significant development
thereafter. Coillte therefore look to be a significant contributor to the transformation of the
Energy sector in the coming decades.
SSE Renewables Ltd. is a leading developer, owner and operator of onshore wind farms,
with a vision to make renewable energy the foundation of a zero-carbon world. The
renewable electricity generated at wind farms operated by SSE Renewables across Ireland
powers SSE Airtricity, Ireland’s largest provider of 100% green energy.
2.2 The Development
The site boundary area extends to approximately 710 ha, of which a significant area is
commercial forest owned by Coillte. The remaining land is third party property and the
principle land use in the general area is comprised of a mix of agricultural sheep and cattle
grazing, farmland, residential properties and open mountain heath.
Most of the Coillte forest site comprises different stages of coniferous plantation forestry. The
species comprise mainly of sitka spruce with small pockets containing Lodgepole Pine, Alder,
Birch and Beech.
________________________________________________________________________________________________Client: Coillte CGA & SSE Date: November 2020
Project: Gortyrahilly Wind Farm Project No.: 6225
Title of Document: General Scoping Document
Document Issue: Rev. 2 Page No.: 3
Based on the studies and constraints mapping completed to-date, the site has the potential
to accommodate approximately 16 no. 4.5 – 6 MW wind turbines with an overall ground to
blade tip height of up to 185m. The candidate wind turbines will have a rotor diameter of up
to 155m and a hub height in the region of 110m.
Initial grid connection feasibility work has been completed for the Development. A further
study will be prepared which will identify a number of route options that will connect the
Development to the national grid and will recommend a preferred route, connection method
and phasing.
It is anticipated that the documents and planning application for Development will be
submitted to An Bord Pleanála (ABP) as a Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) project,
subject to the outcome of a pre-application consultation process with ABP.
________________________________________________________________________________________________Client: Coillte CGA & SSE Date: November 2020
Project: Gortyrahilly Wind Farm Project No.: 6225
Title of Document: General Scoping Document
Document Issue: Rev. 2 Page No.: 4
APPROACH TO THE EIA
3.1 EIA Process
The main steps of the EIA process are broadly summarised as follows:
• Scoping: The Developer shall seek a scoping opinion from the various consultees which
will be used to inform and focus the scope of the EIA on likely significant effects that
could be anticipated to occur as a result of the Development.
• Baseline studies: Desk-based assessment, baseline surveys and site visits will be
undertaken, where appropriate, in order to determine the baseline conditions of the
environment and area that may be affected by the Development.
• Design of the development: A constraints map will be developed as part of the baseline
studies and will be used to inform the design of the layout of the development.
• Predicting and assessing effects (including cumulative): Potential interactions between
the Development and the baseline conditions will be considered. The nature of the
effects, e.g. direct or indirect; positive or negative; long, medium or short term; temporary
or permanent, will be predicted and assessed. Potential cumulative effects arising from
Development in conjunction with other operational, under construction, consented or
application stage developments will also be considered.
• Mitigation and assessment of residual effects: Potential significant effects will be avoided
or reduced wherever possible through embedded mitigation. Where this is not possible,
operational mitigation or other measures to reduce and/or offset any remaining
significant effects will be proposed. The residual effects will then be assessed to
determine any effects predicted to remain significant following implementation of the
recommended mitigation measures.
• Production of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR): The process and
results of the EIA will be set out in the EIAR.
In order to assess the potential effects arising from the Development, the significance of such
effects will be determined. The determination of effect significance is typically a product of
the sensitivity of the resource or receptor being affected and the magnitude of change
experienced. The assessment of effects will combine professional judgement together with
consideration of the following:
• The sensitivity of the resource or receptor under consideration.
• The magnitude of the potential effect in relation to the degree of change which occurs as
a result of the Development.
• The type of effect, i.e. adverse, beneficial, neutral or uncertain.
________________________________________________________________________________________________Client: Coillte CGA & SSE Date: November 2020
Project: Gortyrahilly Wind Farm Project No.: 6225
Title of Document: General Scoping Document
Document Issue: Rev. 2 Page No.: 5
• The probability of the effect occurring, i.e. certain, likely or unlikely.
• Whether the effect is temporary, permanent and/or reversible.
Where the EIA identifies likely significant adverse environmental effects, mitigation measures
will be proposed in order to try to avoid, reduce, offset or compensate those effects. These
mitigation measures may be embedded in the design or compensatory. Such embedded
mitigation measures will likely include the amendment of turbine positions or numbers and
amendment access tracks and other infrastructure via an iterative design process and
management and operational measures.
Taking cognisance of the suggested mitigation (and enhancement) measures, the predicted
effects will be re-assessed to determine whether any likely significant residual effects remain.
It should be noted however that, by virtue of the scale and, nature of site locations, almost all
wind farm development proposals are likely to result in significant effects being produced,
however in many cases these are judged to be acceptable in policy and planning balance.
3.2 Baseline Conditions
The EIA Regulations require that the aspects of the environment, which are likely to be
significantly affected by the Development, be defined within the EIAR. To achieve this, it is
necessary to gather environmental information on each of the topics proposed for
consideration as part of the EIA, i.e. ‘baseline conditions’. Whilst some data and surveys are
already held for the site, it will be necessary for further baseline surveys to be undertaken to
ensure that the data upon which the EIA is based is up to date. For the purposes of the
assessment of the Development the baseline will be considered to be the existing site.
3.3 Prediction and Assessment of Effects
The assessment of potential effects, using a range of appropriate methodologies, will take
into account the construction and operation of the Development in relation to the site and its
environs. An assessment will be made of the likely significant cumulative effects of the
Development in combination with other Developments including:
• Schemes which have been submitted to the relevant authorities but not yet determined.
• Schemes which are consented.
• Schemes which are under construction or are operational.
The scope and methodology for the cumulative assessment will be agreed with the relevant
statutory consultees.
________________________________________________________________________________________________Client: Coillte CGA & SSE Date: November 2020
Project: Gortyrahilly Wind Farm Project No.: 6225
Title of Document: General Scoping Document
Document Issue: Rev. 2 Page No.: 6
Study areas are defined separately for each topic assessed in the EIA to reflect the likely
extent of potential effects.
3.4 Mitigation and Assessment of Residual Effects
The EIA will identify and assess potentially significant effects prior to mitigation, and, where
mitigation measures are proposed, their likely effectiveness will be examined, and the
significance of the ‘residual’ effect then assessed. The Developer will be committed to
implementing all the mitigation measures identified in the EIAR.
3.5 Gortyrahilly Wind Farm EIA Context
The baseline scenario for the EIA is that of the existing site of which a significant area is
commercial forest owned by Coillte. The baseline includes the land use conditions at the
current time including forestry, agricultural farmland and open mountain heath.
The EIA will consider an environmental baseline that includes the existing site conditions and
will be comprehensive in covering the areas of environmental sensitivity identified including
ornithology, terrestrial and aquatic ecology, hydrology, geology, hydrogeology, noise, cultural
heritage and landscape and visual effects.
3.6 Scoping Stage
The Development will constitute EIA development and a scoping opinion is being requested
from the key consultees.
The purpose of scoping is to identify the information to be contained in the EIAR and the
methodology to be used in gathering and assessing that information. It should provide focus
for the EIAR and thus enable the EIA to be appropriately tailored to the Development’s likely
significant effects on the environmental factors set out in Article 3 of the Directive, avoid time
and money being spent on unnecessary examinations, and reduce the likelihood of the
Competent Authority having to seek the submission of further additional information post
EIAR submission.
The Developer recognises the importance and value of the scoping approach and the
purpose of this report is to ensure that all relevant issues are identified from the outset, and
to provide sufficient information on the potential environmental effects of the proposals to
enable the project proposals to be determined in due course.
________________________________________________________________________________________________Client: Coillte CGA & SSE Date: November 2020
Project: Gortyrahilly Wind Farm Project No.: 6225
Title of Document: General Scoping Document
Document Issue: Rev. 2 Page No.: 7
The Directive does not set out any formal requirements regarding the content of a request for
a scoping opinion or the scoping opinion itself, and the format and detail of the request and/or
opinion will vary from case to case because the significant issues for different projects are
unlikely to ever be identical.
Annex IV(4) of the amended Directive states that:
“A description of the factors specified in Article 3(1) likely to be significantly
affected by the project: population, human health, biodiversity (for example
fauna and flora), land (for example land take), soil (for example organic matter,
erosion, compaction, sealing), water (for example hydromorphological
changes, quantity and quality), air, climate (for example greenhouse gas
emissions, impacts relevant to adaptation), material assets, cultural heritage,
including architectural and archaeological aspects, and landscape.”
The approach taken to scoping for the Development is to identify and reduce, if possible, the
information to be contained in the EIAR and the methodology to be used in gathering and
assessing that information. The scoping document will provide focus for the EIAR and thus
enable the Environmental Impact Assessment to be tailored to the Development’s likely
significant effects on the environmental factors as set out in Article 3 of the Directive. This
will reduce the likelihood of the relevant authority having to seek the submission of additional
information after the submission of the EIAR to the determining authority.
3.7 EIAR Structure
The EIAR structure will take the following structure:
Volume I – Non-Technical Summary
Volume II – Main Report
Volume III – Figures
Volume IV – Appendices
The EIAR is likely to cover the topics listed in Table 3.1.
________________________________________________________________________________________________Client: Coillte CGA & SSE Date: November 2020
Project: Gortyrahilly Wind Farm Project No.: 6225
Title of Document: General Scoping Document
Document Issue: Rev. 2 Page No.: 8
Table 3.1: Indicative List of EIAR Chapters
Chapter Title
Number
1 Introduction
2 Project Description
3 Alternatives Considered
4 Planning Policy Context
5 Population and Human Health
6 Biodiversity
7 Ornithology
8 Soils and Geology
9 Hydrology & Hydrogeology
10 Air and Climate
11 Noise
12 Shadow Flicker and Electromagnetic Interference
13 Landscape and Visual Amenity
14 Material Assets
15 Cultural Heritage
16 Traffic and Transportation
17 Interactions of the Foregoing including Major
Accidents
The typical format starts with an introduction, followed by descriptions of the screening and
scoping stages and an overall project description. It then examines each environmental factor
as a separate section. These sections may contain separate parts or subsections to address
the individual headings and/or topics identified during scoping. The list of topics set out in
Table 3.1 follows the EPA Draft Guidelines [August 2017].
The Environmental Impact Assessment will take account of (or confirm the absence of) any
changes in the wider environmental context of the development (for example adjacent
development that may have been constructed; or changes in the distribution of sensitive
habitats and species).
3.8 Population and Human Health
This section will consider the potential effects on population and human health that may occur
from the Development. This will involve the identification of the existing socio-economic,
________________________________________________________________________________________________Client: Coillte CGA & SSE Date: November 2020
Project: Gortyrahilly Wind Farm Project No.: 6225
Title of Document: General Scoping Document
Document Issue: Rev. 2 Page No.: 9
tourism and recreation baseline conditions in the site and surrounding area and will consider
the potential direct or indirect effects on employment, recreation and tourism and the local
population in terms of community benefit. The effect of both the potential positive and
negative impacts of the Development on human health will also be considered. It is
considered that these are not likely to represent significant effects and does not require a
specific response.
3.9 Material Assets
Material Assets are considered to be the physical resources in the environment which may
be of human or natural origin. This chapter of the EIAR will set out details of the effects of the
Development on these resources. The effects are not likely to represent significant effects
and this section of the Scoping Document does not warrant a specific response.
3.10 Interactions of the Foregoing
Interactions of the Foregoing will describe the interactions between the various effects
identified in the chapters outlined in Table 3.1. The potential effects arising from the
construction of the Development cannot be identified at this stage. This chapter will be
considered and evaluated as part of the EIAR process.
3.11 Cumulative Effects
The 2014/52/EU Directive requires that the EIAR describes the cumulation of effects.
Cumulative effects may arise from:
• The interaction between the various effects within a single project.
• The interaction between all of the different existing and/or approved projects in the same
area as the proposed project.
Table 3.2 provides the details of all wind farms within 20km of the Development within the
boundaries of Co. Cork and Co. Kerry. All other significant developments identified as part of
the EIA with potential for cumulative impact will also be considered in the EIAR.
Table 3.2: Wind Farms within 20km of the Development
Wind Farm Status No. of Distance
Turbines from the
Development
Barnadivane Permitted 14 17.96km
South East
________________________________________________________________________________________________Client: Coillte CGA & SSE Date: November 2020
Project: Gortyrahilly Wind Farm Project No.: 6225
Title of Document: General Scoping Document
Document Issue: Rev. 2 Page No.: 10
Wind Farm Status No. of Distance
Turbines from the
Development
Barnastooka Permitted 14 6.5km
West
Barrboy Permitted 5 16.09km
South West
Caherdowney Operational 4 11.15km
North East
Carriganimmy Macroom (Bawnmore) Permitted 6 14.11km
North East
Cleanrath Permitted 11 3.05km
South East
Clydaghroe, Clonkeen Permitted 4 8.77km
North East
Coolea Permitted 1 5.02km
North West
Coolknoohil Inchee Permitted 2 4.3km
North West
Coolknoohil Kilgarvan (Everwind) Operational 11 3.5km
North West
Coomacheo Operational 15 11.74km
North East
Coomagearlahy Kilgarvan Operational 15 5.91km
North West
Cummeennabuddoge, Clydaghroe, Permitted 2 9.55km
Cloonkeen North East
Curraglass Proposed 7 8.62km
South West
Derragh Permitted 6 189m
South
Derreenacrinnig Permitted 7 18.51km
South West
Drishane Millstreet Operational 8 11.82km
(Curragh Mountain/Coomacheo 2) North East
________________________________________________________________________________________________Client: Coillte CGA & SSE Date: November 2020
Project: Gortyrahilly Wind Farm Project No.: 6225
Title of Document: General Scoping Document
Document Issue: Rev. 2 Page No.: 11
Wind Farm Status No. of Distance
Turbines from the
Development
Dromleena Permitted 9 17.66km
South
Garranereagh Operational 4 19.33km
South East
Glanlee I (Midas) Operational 6 6.4km
North West
Gneeves Milstreet Operational 15 11.81km
North East
Gortnakilla, Clonkeen Killarney Permitted 4 6.76km
North West
Grousemount Windfarm Permitted 4.50km
25 West
Inchee, Poulbatha & Foilgreana (Midas) Operational 6 5.44km
North West
Inchincoosh Kilgarvan Operational 6 8.12km
North West
Knocknamork Permitted 7 7.28km
North East
Rosseightragh, Lettercannon, Kilgarvan Operational 7 7.56km
North West
Shehy More Permitted 12 8.31km
South
Sillahertane Kilgarvan Operational 10 3.89km
East
________________________________________________________________________________________________Client: Coillte CGA & SSE Date: November 2020
Project: Gortyrahilly Wind Farm Project No.: 6225
Title of Document: General Scoping Document
Document Issue: Rev. 2 Page No.: 12
LEGISLATIVE AND PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT
4.1 EU Directive 2011/92/EU
European Union Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and
private projects on the environment (the ‘EIA Directive’), was transposed into Irish planning
legislation by the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the Planning and
Development Regulations 2001 (as amended). The EIA Directive was amended by Directive
2014/52/EU.
4.2 EU Directive 2014/52/EU
Directive EIA 2014/52/EU is an amending environmental impact assessment (EIA) law in a
number of respects by amending Directive 2011/92/EU. The Directive was transposed into
Irish Law in September 2018. The objective of the Directive (Directive 2011/92/EU), as
amended by Directive 2014/52/EU, is to ensure a high level of protection of the environment
and human health, through the establishment of minimum requirements for EIA, prior to
development consent being given, of public and private developments that are likely to have
significant effects on the environment.
Planning Authorities and An Bord Pleanála have lengthy experience in assessing the effects
of proposed developments on the environment as this is an integral part of considering whether
the proposal is in the interests of the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
The European Union (Planning and Development) (Environmental Impact Assessment)
Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 296 of 2018) transpose the requirements of the 2014 EIA Directive
into existing planning consent procedures.
Amending Directive 2014/52/EU defined the EIA process as a process consisting of:
(a) the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) by the developer
(b) the carrying out of consultations
(c) the examination by the competent authority of the EIAR, any supplementary information
provided, where necessary, by the developer and relevant information received through
consultations with the public, prescribed bodies and any affected Member States
(d) the reasoned conclusion of the competent authority on the significant impacts of the
project on the environment and
(e) the integration of the competent authority’s reasoned conclusion into any development
consent decision.
________________________________________________________________________________________________Client: Coillte CGA & SSE Date: November 2020
Project: Gortyrahilly Wind Farm Project No.: 6225
Title of Document: General Scoping Document
Document Issue: Rev. 2 Page No.: 13
4.3 Strategic Infrastructure Development
The Developer intends to apply for Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) approval for the
Development. The Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 amended
the 2000 Act by, inserting ss.37A to 37K, to make provision for the SID designation and
planning application procedure. The 2006 Act also added the Seventh Schedule to the 2000
Act which outlines the categories of development which can qualify as SID.
The 7th Schedule to the 2000 Act [as amended] lists the classes of infrastructure development
which, if considered by the Board to be strategic infrastructure development, requires direct
application to the board.
“An installation for the harnessing of wind power for energy production (a
wind farm) with more than 25 turbines or having a total output greater than 50
megawatts.”
Section 37A(1) of the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 sets out
that an application for permission for any development specified in the 7th Schedule of the
Planning and Development Act 2000 - as amended - shall be made to the Board and not the
planning authority if the following conditions are met:
• The development would be of strategic economic or social importance to the State or the
region in which it would be situate,
• The development would contribute substantially to the fulfilment of any of the objectives
of the National Spatial Strategy or any regional planning guidelines in force in respect of
the area or areas in which it would be situate,
• The development would have significant effect on the area of more than one planning
authority.
A pre-application letter was submitted to An Bord Pleanála on the 11th of September 2020 for
a determination as to whether this project constitutes Strategic Infrastructure Development.
Applications for planning permission for SID are made directly to the Strategic Infrastructure
Division of An Bord Pleanála and are subject to materially different procedures than planning
applications submitted to the Local Authority not determined as SID.
The pre-application process is mandatory for projects that fall within the categories of
development specified in the Seventh Schedule to the Act.
________________________________________________________________________________________________Client: Coillte CGA & SSE Date: November 2020
Project: Gortyrahilly Wind Farm Project No.: 6225
Title of Document: General Scoping Document
Document Issue: Rev. 2 Page No.: 14
4.4 Transboundary Context
Although the project is located entirely within the administrative boundary of Cork County
Council, there is potential for transboundary effects to arise given the proximity of the site to
the administrative boundary of Kerry County Council, approximately 2km.
4.5 European Policy
European Directive 2009/28/EC promotes the use of energy from renewable sources and
establishes the basis for the achievement of the EU’s 20% renewable energy target by 2020.
Under the terms of the Directive, each Member State is set an individually binding renewable
energy target, which will contribute to the achievement of the overall EU goal.
The current 2020 framework sets an EU target of 20% of energy consumption from renewable
energy which relies on legally binding national targets until 2020. National Renewable Energy
Action Plans and the biennial monitoring provided for by the Directive 2009/28/EC on the
promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources have been effective in promoting
transparency for investors and other economic operators and thereby favoured the rapid
deployment and increase in the share of renewables from 10.4% in 2007 to 17% in 2015.
In October 2014, the European Council agreed the 2030 framework for climate and energy
reaffirming the Union's long-term commitment to the ambitious EU strategy in renewable
energies. The new framework sets out the European Union target of at least 27% for the
share of renewable energy consumed in the EU in 2030. This target is binding at EU level
and will be fulfilled through individual Member States' contributions guided by the need to
deliver collectively for the EU. In addition, the new framework also enables the collective
delivery to be done without preventing Member States from setting their own, including more
ambitious, national targets. Member States can support renewable energy, subject to State
aid rules.
EU level action is needed to ensure that Member States contribute to the at least 27% EU
level binding renewable energy target and that this is collectively and cost-effectively met.
Member States are requested to define their own ambition levels including trajectories that
correspond to their national circumstances and preferences. A linear EU-wide trajectory will
help track progress towards the achievement of the EU-wide target without being binding on
Member States individually. The progressive opening of support of renewable electricity is
needed to address fragmentation of the internal market and ensure cross-border tradability,
especially for common rules on transport fuels.
________________________________________________________________________________________________Client: Coillte CGA & SSE Date: November 2020
Project: Gortyrahilly Wind Farm Project No.: 6225
Title of Document: General Scoping Document
Document Issue: Rev. 2 Page No.: 15
4.6 National Planning Policy Context
Ireland has developed a strategic outlook for the future development of the country under the
‘Project Ireland 2040.’ Project Ireland 2040 comprises two plans, The National Planning
Framework [NPF] and the ten-year National Development Plan [NDP] which will guide
strategic development and infrastructure investment at the national level. The NDP 2018-
2027 sets out investment priorities of €21.8 billion for climate action for the 10-year period,
€7.6 billion is to come from the Exchequer. The remaining investment is to be made by
Ireland’s semi-state companies and by the private sector. This substantial funding increase
will facilitate upscaling of investments and implementation of actions needed to move the
country towards its 2030 climate targets.
The NPF with the NDP will also set the context for each of Ireland’s three regional assemblies
to develop their Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies taking account of and co-
ordinating Local Authority County and City Development Plans in a manner that will ensure
national, regional and local plans align. The National Planning Framework is based on a set
of values that will ensure Ireland’s “long term economic, environmental and social progress
for all parts of the country”.
The NPF states that in relation to rural areas and renewable energy that:
“The National Climate Policy Position establishes the national objective of achieving
transition to a competitive, low carbon, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable
economy by 2050. This objective will shape investment choices over the coming decades in
line with the National Mitigation Plan and the National Adaptation Framework. New energy
systems and transmission grids will be necessary for a more distributed, renewables-focused
energy generation system, harnessing both the considerable on-shore and off-shore
potential from energy sources such as wind, wave and solar and connecting the richest
sources of that energy to the major sources of demand.
There is significant alignment between the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) and the National Planning Framework’s National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs)
in areas such as climate action, clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, economic
growth, reduced inequalities and innovation and infrastructure, as well as education and
health.”
________________________________________________________________________________________________Client: Coillte CGA & SSE Date: November 2020
Project: Gortyrahilly Wind Farm Project No.: 6225
Title of Document: General Scoping Document
Document Issue: Rev. 2 Page No.: 16
4.7 The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Assembly
The Local Government Reform Act 2014 provided for three new regional assemblies: the
Northern and Western, Eastern and Midland and Southern Regions. Members of the
Regional Assemblies consist of the local authorities within that region.
The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Southern Region was adopted
on the 31st January 2020. The objective of the RSES is to support the implementation of the
National Planning Framework – Project 2040 and the economic policies and objectives of the
Government by providing a long-term planning and economic framework, which shall be
consistent with the NPF and the economic policies or objectives of the Government.
The RSES for the Southern Region provides a long-term regional level strategic planning and
economic framework, to support the implementation of the National Planning Framework, for
the future physical, economic and social development of the Southern Region.
The RSES recognises and supports many opportunities for onshore wind as a major source
of renewable energy. Opportunities for both commercial and community wind energy projects
should be harnessed, having regard to the requirements of DoHPLG Wind Energy
Development Guidelines. Wind Energy, with current and future developments technology,
has an important role in delivering value and clean electricity for Ireland. There are a plethora
of policies within the RSES which are relevant to the Development. The following policies are
of particular relevance:
RPO 98 - Regional Renewable Energy Strategy
“It is an objective to support the development of a Regional Renewable Energy Strategy with
relevant stakeholders.”
RPO 99 - Renewable Wind Energy
“It is an objective to support the sustainable development of renewable wind energy (on
shore and off shore) at appropriate locations and related grid infrastructure in the Region in
compliance with national Wind Energy Guidelines.
RPO 100 - Indigenous Renewable Energy Production and Grid Injection
“It is an objective to support the integration of indigenous renewable energy production and
grid injection.”
________________________________________________________________________________________________Client: Coillte CGA & SSE Date: November 2020
Project: Gortyrahilly Wind Farm Project No.: 6225
Title of Document: General Scoping Document
Document Issue: Rev. 2 Page No.: 17
4.8 National Climate Policy
The extent of the challenge to reduce GHG emissions in line with our International and EU
obligations is well understood by Government and is reflected also in the National Policy
Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (2014) and the Climate Action and
Low Carbon Development Act 2015. Both the policy position and legal framework are key
elements of the effort to progress the national low carbon transition agenda.
In 2015 the Irish Government made a commitment to transform Ireland into a Low Carbon
Economy by the year 2050.
The Government quantified this as:
• an aggregate reduction in CO2 emissions of at least 80% (compared to 1990 levels) by
2050 across the electricity generation, built environment and transport sectors; and
• in parallel, an approach to carbon neutrality in the agriculture and land-use sector,
including forestry, which does not compromise capacity for sustainable food production.
4.9 The Joint Committee on Climate Action
The Joint Committee on Climate Action launched a cross-party report in April 2019 entitled,
‘Climate Change: A Cross- Party Consensus for Action.’ The report is the culmination of 6
months’ work by the Committee and makes over 40 recommendations on steering Ireland’s
approach towards climate action.
4.10 The Cork County Development Plan 2014-2020
The application site is located in Co. Cork. A copy of the Site Location Map is included in
Appendix A. The relevant development plan is the Cork County Development Plan 2014-
2020 (CCDP). The project will be fully contained within County Cork.
The site design and EIA will be progressed taking cognisance of the published local and any
emerging local policies that relate to renewable or wind energy development.
The site is designated as ‘Open to Consideration’ in the CCDP wind energy maps as shown
in Figure 4.1.
ED 3-5: Open to Consideration - Commercial wind energy development is open to
consideration in these areas where proposals can avoid adverse impacts on:
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